Milestone for Stour Environmental Credits

The drive to unlock housing development in the River Stour catchment area has taken an important step forward. As recently announced, Stour Environmental Credits Ltd. (SEC) has entered into a contract with Norfolk Rivers Consortium to provide nutrient mitigation to SEC.

This contract is progressing well and it is anticipated that credits for phosphorus and nitrogen will be available within the first quarter of 2026. To enable developers to understand viability and the financial commitment necessary to secure credits, Stour Environmental Credits Ltd. agreed to publish credit pricing transparently.  

SEC can now confirm that the initial pricing for credits is:

Permanent phosphorus - £3,500 per 0.1kg

Permanent nitrogen - £235 per 0.1kg

Please note that 0.1kg is equal to one credit.

SEC is still exploring options to acquire further permanent and temporary mitigation that can be sold as credits in the future. It reserves the right to change credit prices as new mitigation is sourced and brought to market, but maintaining the principles of the company as a not-for-profit organisation.

Over the next few months, the company will work with the relevant local planning authority in identifying developments that have been delayed by a lack of nutrient credits, and ask for developers to register an interest in acquiring credits from SEC.  

SEC will then use a credit allocation policy to sell credits based on several factors but is clear that getting development underway is a key factor. Regarding payment for credits, the full amount is due within 30 days of being allocated credits, at which stage a credit certificate will be issued.

The joint venture company has been established by Ashford Borough and Canterbury City Councils to tackle the ‘Stodmarsh issue’. The move should lead to:

• Much-needed development currently held up in the planning system being unlocked
• Thousands of stalled new homes being built (including sought-after affordable homes)  
• Water quality in our part of Kent being protected 

To contact SEC, visit their website or email admin@stourenvironmentalcredits.co.uk.